T-CLOCS TIME!

Most of us check the weather or the gas gauge before we get our hogs out of the barn for a run along the coast or a cruise through the hills.  We don’t want to be on the side of the road out of gas, or under an overpass waiting out a cloudburst.  But when is the last time you took a peek in the sight glass on your brake fluid reservoir?  Or had a good look at your belt (not that strap of leather helping your pants stay at waist level)?
 

T-CLOCS should be a part of every rider’s routine regardless of the Harley you ride or the way you ride it.  Countless hours and lives can be saved each year if riders remembered to take a few minutes to verify the condition and reliability of their bikes.  Many Harley owners (myself included) spend WAY more than a few minutes cleaning and polishing our beloved hogs, but too few of us neglect other common sense things that can lead to a ruined day trip or other more dangerous issues.
 

Let’s take a quick second to review just how easy and effective a 5 minute T-CLOCS inspection can be.
 

  • Tires and Wheels.  A bad tire is a bad time waiting to happen.  Low tire pressure will take miles of life off of your skins.  Check your tread wear and look for anything sticking in the tire that could lead to a blowout.  Cords and steel peeking through are not a good thing.  Loose or missing spokes and cracked rims can lead to problems as well.  

  • Controls.  A rotten hose or a loose lever can strand you quickly.  Check out your handlebars, levers, cables and hose to make sure you’re sailing is smooth on your cruise.

  • Lights & Electrics.  Ever been rolling along, enjoying your ride and your life, when suddenly that unmistakable acrid white smoke begins to fill your nostrils.  Nothing like the smell of melting plastic to ruin a great riding day.  Check for fraying wires or loose battery terminals.  Take a look at your turn signals, brake and headlights to ensure they’re all working properly as well.

  • Oil & Fluids.  Two things we’re primarily looking at here are levels and leaks.  Check to ensure your fluids are all at their suggested levels for optimum safe operation, and take a look around your ride for any leaks, smudges, or other residues that could point to a leak.

  • Chassis.  This is the one that will cause you the most grief and potential danger if left unchecked.  Potholes, weather, and thousands and thousands of happy miles can put stress on your beloved steed, and years of riding can leave your iron pony more like a nag than a thoroughbred.  Inspect your bearings and your shocks for excessive travel or leaks.  Check your belt or chain tension to make sure your not sagging away throttle response.  Eyeball any places that bolts or screws have managed to disappear from, and replace as needed.  

  • Stands.  Yes, check your kickstand!  Nothing like parking out front of your favorite chill spot only to come out and find your beautiful bike laying on its side because the kickstand was loose or just plain broke.  A quick check can save hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs and repaints to a dinged up gas tank.

 
Take the time at least once or twice a month to do a full T-CLOCS check-up on your Harley and keep yourself in the wind and off the side of the road.  Common sense folks.